MRS. BUSH: Welcome, everyone, to the Ford's Theatre Gala, and thank each
and every one of you for your generous friendship to Ford's Theatre.

Tonight, we present the Lincoln Medal, an annual award given by Ford's
Theatre. The Lincoln Medal brings Abraham Lincoln's legacy to life by
recognizing his wisdom and vision in the work of today's leaders. It
honors those who, through their accomplishments or personal attributes,
illuminate the character of our most beloved President.

Earlier this year, at a Lincoln birthday celebration at the White House, we
honored two Lincoln Medal recipients: Sandra Day O'Connor and Benjamin
Carson. A former Supreme Court Justice and a renowned pediatric surgeon,
these honorees have upheld Lincoln's ideals of equality and service.

Tonight, we reflect on Lincoln's love of the arts by recognizing two
magnificent artists: the poet Maya Angelou and the actress Ruby Dee.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Hal, thanks for the introduction. And I
want to thank you all for supporting Ford's Theatre. Laura and I have been
coming here now for eight years to the Ford's Theatre Gala, and this is by
far the best. (Applause.)

We want to thank our choir and our orchestra and all the fabulous
performers for taking time out of your busy schedules to help -- to support
this really important part of Washington. And Gatlin is probably saying,
of course I said that for the crowd last year. (Laughter.) But, no, it
really was fantastic. And it's such an uplifting performance and a
reminder of what a great President Abraham Lincoln was.

I do want to thank Paul Tetreault for being a really fabulous director of
the Ford's Theatre. (Applause.) And I want to thank the Gala co-chairs
and all the people who support the Ford's Theatre. I know you're excited
about the opening of the renovated Ford's Theatre in February 2009. Laura
and I are excited, too. Just send the pictures down to Crawford.
(Laughter.)